What does textualism mean?
Textualism is an approach to interpreting written texts by giving close attention to their words, structure, context, and ordinary meaning. It is especially important in two fields. In biblical studies, textualism emphasizes what a passage says in its written form, often in contrast with approaches that prioritize broader historical, symbolic, or doctrinal meanings. In legal theory, textualism means interpreting legislation according to the meaning that a reasonable reader would most naturally derive from the text, rather than relying mainly on legislative history, political purpose, or judges' preferences. The term can also describe literary methods that treat the text as a self-contained object of study. Textualism is not simply the opposite of interpretation or context; it is a disciplined method of interpretation that places the language of the source at the center of analysis.
nounTextualism is the practice or method of interpreting a text by focusing closely on its wording and its ordinary or literal meaning. In legal theory, it specifically means interpreting a law according to the meaning that its text most plainly conveys.
- The method of interpreting a text by emphasizing its wording, context, and plain or literal meaning, especially in the study of scripture.
- In legal theory, the interpretation of a law according to the ordinary meaning of its words, rather than primarily according to legislative history, policy, or purpose.
- A literary-critical approach that treats the text itself as the principal object of analysis, especially with attention to its language and structure.
"The court adopted textualism to interpret the statute according to its ordinary meaning."
"Her approach to scripture was shaped by textualism, with close attention to the language of each passage."
"Under a textualist approach, the judge began with the statute's ordinary meaning before considering the arguments of the parties."
The plural is uncommon and usually refers to distinct theories or methods of textual interpretation.
"The article compares competing textualisms in biblical scholarship."
In law, textualism asks a deceptively simple question: what does the text ordinarily mean?
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does textualism come from?
The word is formed from textual, meaning “relating to a text,” and the suffix -ism, which can denote a doctrine, method, or characteristic approach. Its ultimate root is Latin texere, “to weave,” through textus, a woven thing and, by extension, written text. The modern term has been used particularly in biblical interpretation and later became prominent in legal theory as a name for text-centered approaches to law.
Related word forms
How textualism is actually used
Textualism is a formal and often specialist term. In biblical studies it can denote a sustained method of close, text-centered interpretation; in law it has become a recognized approach to constitutional and statutory interpretation and is sometimes used as a contrast with purposivism.
Easily confused with textualism
Textualism is a method of interpreting texts, whereas literalism is the insistence on a literal meaning and is often used to criticize the avoidance of figurative or contextual interpretations.